ED issues fresh summons to TVK leader and ex-AIADMK minister C Vijayabaskar in assets case

Hindustan TimesIndependentCenterNov 4

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Chennai has issued new summons to former Tamil Nadu minister C Vijayabaskar regarding an alleged disproportionate assets case. This marks the second instance where the senior politician has been called to appear before the investigating agency, with the current request asking him to report next week. The investigation focuses on assets allegedly accumulated during his tenure as Health and Family Welfare Minister in the AIADMK government between 2016 and 2021. Previously, in March 2024, Vijayabaskar received initial summons following surprise raids on his properties in Chennai and Pudukottai. Currently serving as the district organizational secretary for Pudukottai under Chief Minister C.V. Shanmugam’s TVK party, Vijayabaskar did not respond to media inquiries for comment despite recently conducting a public roadshow.

Bias read (Center): The reporting relies exclusively on anonymous ED officials and notes the subject's non-response, presenting procedural facts without attributing guilt or offering counter-narratives.

The HinduIndependentCenterNov 3

Tamil Nadu Minister Rajmohan alleged during a public event that he was offered a bribe of 5 crore Indian Rupees to appoint a specific individual as the chairman of the Eyal Isai Nataka Mandram. He stated that he rejected the offer and instead appointed Pushpavanam Kuppusamy, whom he described as the most suitable candidate for the role. Rajmohan claimed that all ministers in the current cabinet oppose bribery and corruption. In response, AIADMK leader D. Jayakumar acknowledged the suitability of the appointed chairman but demanded that the unidentified briber be named and prosecuted by the Chief Minister.

Bias read (Center): The report neutrally presents the minister’s allegation alongside the opposition leader’s demand for accountability, using direct quotes without editorial judgment or loaded language.